In Favor of Favors

Gold Favor Box Black Ribbon

Confession: I had initially intended to drop the whole “favors” thing completely. The classic inedibles—shot glasses, candles, CDs, birdseed—often seem to be left behind by many guests. Even edible favors, while generally more of a crowd-pleaser, sounded like a ton of extra work and money for something people minimally notice.

Anyway, I was happy to let that one slide right off my to-do list, until a bolt of inspiration struck. We have a family recipe for these delicious spiced pecans that my grandmother used to make around the holidays. They are sugared with a blend of Christmas-y spices and feel very festive, and I loved the idea of using my grandmother’s recipe, especially because she has been unable to travel for some time and would not make it out for the wedding.

I asked my mom if she would be willing to make this happen, and she was super excited about it! Of course, there was also the issue of packaging. When she came for a visit, we cruised through Michaels and found these boxes. They’re little and cute (2 x 2 x 2) and feel high quality—stiff and sturdy—and have a pretty lid that fits nicely on top. Best of all, they’re only $6.99 for 20!

We bought six packages and then Benjamin and I had a folding party. We put them together, as well as cutting some lengths of black ribbon and adhering stickers to the top that say, “Enjoy this holiday treat made with love by the mother of the bride. Cheers! R & K.”

We picked up a big Rubbermaid container and put all the boxes and ribbons inside. My mom is planning on making the pecans at home, bringing them in a big Ziploc on the plane, and while Ben and I are at our respective bachelor/ette parties on the Thursday before the wedding, my parents will fill the boxes with a few nuts and tie ’em up. I’m hoping that the Rubbermaid will suffice to keep them fresh until the reception on Saturday.

Almost like a…Christmas present. Heh again.

Last but not least—we reached out to our two guests who we knew had allergies and informed them about the favors (and the cake). And the favors that weren’t supposed to be, will be after all!

comments

Samesies. Well, almost. My aunt offered to do spiced pecans for our favors, but we ultimately decided they wouldn’t be quite right for a summer wedding. They are delicious though, and I would love this favor as a guest. Great choice!

@msbluemoon good call — I very much believe in embracing what’s seasonally appropriate! and thank you (and you as well, @futuremfg) — I’m so glad you would like them as favors, I am so paranoid about “guest happiness!” Haha

I thought about not doing favors also because if it wasn’t there people wouldn’t miss it. But the hubby to be wanted them. So I did M&M’s with our picture on it (super pricey, bought it on black friday for a 30% discount, and also used chocolate covered almonds from nuts.com). I used baby food jars (my sister saved up a bunch for me) to save money on the containers! Guests loved it, and didn’t even know it was baby food jars!